SOI radio frequency switch with reduced signal distortion

ABSTRACT

A doped semiconductor region having a same conductivity type as a bottom semiconductor layer is formed underneath a buried insulator layer in a bottom semiconductor layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. At least one conductive via structure is formed, which extends from a interconnect-level metal line through a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer, a shallow trench isolation structure in a top semiconductor layer, and a buried insulator layer to the doped semiconductor region. The shallow trench isolation structure laterally abuts at least one field effect transistor that functions as a radio frequency (RF) switch. During operation, the doped semiconductor region is biased at a voltage that keeps an induced charge layer within the bottom semiconductor layer in a depletion mode and avoids an accumulation mode. Elimination of electrical charges in an accumulation mode during half of each frequency cycle reduces harmonic generation and signal distortion in the RF switch.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to semiconductor structures, and particularly to a semiconductor structure including a radio frequency switch on a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, design structure and methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of operating the same.

Semiconductor devices such as field effect transistors are employed as a switching device for radio frequency (RF) signals in analog and RF applications. Semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrates are typically employed for such applications since parasitic coupling between devices through the substrate is reduced due to the low dielectric constant of a buried insulator layer. For example, the dielectric constant of silicon, which comprises the entirety of the substrate of a bulk silicon substrate, is about 11.9 in gigahertz ranges. In contrast, the dielectric constant of silicon oxide, which isolates a top semiconductor layer containing devices from a handle substrate, is about 3.9. By providing the buried insulator layer, which has a dielectric constant less than the dielectric constant of a semiconductor material in a bulk substrate, the SOI substrate reduces capacitive coupling between an individual semiconductor device and the substrate, and consequently, reduces secondary capacitive coupling between semiconductor devices through the substrate.

However, even with the use of an SOI substrate, the secondary capacitive coupling of electrical signals between semiconductor devices is significant due to the high frequency range employed in the radio frequency applications, which may be, for example, from about 900 MHz to about 1.8 GHz, and may include even higher frequency ranges. This is because the capacitive coupling between electrical components increases linearly with frequency.

For a radio frequency (RF) switch formed on an SOI substrate, the semiconductor devices comprising the RF switch and the signal processing units in a top semiconductor layer are capacitively coupled through a buried insulator layer to a bottom semiconductor layer. Even if the semiconductor devices in the top semiconductor layer employ a power supply voltage from about 3 V to about 9V, the transient signals and signal reflections in an antenna circuitry may increase the actual voltage in the top semiconductor layer up to about 30V. Such voltage conditions induce a significant capacitive coupling between the semiconductor devices subjected to such high voltage signals and an induced charge layer within an upper portion of the bottom semiconductor layer, which changes in thickness and charge polarity at the frequency of the RF signal in the semiconductor devices in the top semiconductor layer. The induced charge layer capacitively couples with other semiconductor devices in the top semiconductor layer including the semiconductor devices that an RF switch is supposed to isolate electrically. The spurious capacitive coupling between the induced charge layer in the bottom semiconductor layer and the other semiconductor devices provides a secondary capacitive coupling, which is a parasitic coupling that reduces the effectiveness of the RF switch. In this case, the RF signal is applied to the other semiconductor devices through the secondary capacitive coupling although the RF switch is turned off.

Referring to FIG. 1, a prior art radio frequency switch comprises a set of serially connected field effect transistors formed on a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate 8. The SOI substrate 8 comprises a bottom semiconductor layer 10, a buried insulator layer 20, and a top semiconductor layer 30. The top semiconductor layer 30 includes top semiconductor portions 32 and shallow trench isolation structures 33 which provide electrical isolation between adjacent top semiconductor portions 32. Each field effect transistor comprises a gate electrode 42, a gate dielectric 40, a gate spacer 44, and source and drain regions (not shown) formed in a top semiconductor portion 32. The field effect transistors are serially connected via a set of contact vias 88 and metal lines 98. The contact vias 88 are embedded in a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer 80, and the metal lines 98 are formed in a interconnect-level dielectric layer 90.

A high voltage signal, which may have a voltage swing up to about +/−30V induces an induced charge layer 11 in an upper portion of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 through a capacitive coupling, which is schematically indicated by a set of capacitors 22 between the semiconductor devices and the bottom semiconductor layer 10. The induced charge layer 11 contains positive charges while the voltage in the semiconductor devices in the top semiconductor layer 30 have a negative voltage, and negative charges while the voltage in the semiconductor devices in the top semiconductor layer 30 have a positive voltage. The high frequency of the RF signal in the semiconductor devices induces changes in the thickness of the induced charge layer 11 and the polarity of the charges in the induced charge layer at the same frequency as the frequency of the RF signal.

The time required to dissipate the charges in the induced charge layer 11 is characterized by an RC time constant, which is determined by the capacitance of the set of capacitors 22 and a substrate resistance. The substrate resistance is the resistance between the induced charge layer 11 and electrical ground, which is typically provided by an edge seal at the boundary of a semiconductor chip. The substrate resistance is symbolically represented by a resistor 12 between the induced charge layer 11 and electrical ground. Such substrate resistance may be extremely high because the bottom semiconductor layer 10 typically employs a high resistivity semiconductor material having a resistivity of about 5 Ohms-cm to minimize eddy current. Further, the lateral distance to an edge seam may be up to about half the lateral dimension of the semiconductor chip, e.g., on the order of about 1 cm.

Such large substrate resistance 12 increases the RC time constant for the dissipation of the charge in the induced charge layer 11 beyond the time scale of the period of the RF signal. Since dissipation of the charge in the induced charge layer 11 is effectively barred due to a long RC time constant, the capacitive coupling between the semiconductor devices in the top semiconductor layer 30 and the bottom semiconductor layer 10 results in loss of signal even during the off-state of the RF switch. Further, spurious RF signal is introduced into semiconductor devices that are disconnected by the RF switch from the RF signal through the secondary capacitive coupling of the semiconductor devices through the induced charge layer 11.

During one half of each frequency cycle of the RF signal, the top portion of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 directly underneath the buried insulator layer 20 is in an accumulation condition, in which charge carriers in the bottom semiconductor layer 10 accumulate near the bottom surface of the buried insulator layer 20. Specifically, when the conductivity type of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is p-type and the voltage of the top semiconductor portions 32 is negative relative to the voltage at the bottom semiconductor layer 10, or when the conductivity type of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is n-type and the voltage of the top semiconductor portions 32 is positive relative to the voltage at the bottom semiconductor layer 10, the majority charge carriers, i.e., holes if the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is p-type or electrons if the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is n-type, accumulate in the upper portion of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 to form the induced charge layer 11.

Further, during the other half of each frequency cycle of the RF signal, the top portion of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 directly underneath the buried insulator layer 20 is in a depletion condition, in which charge carriers in the bottom semiconductor layer 10 are repelled from the bottom surface of the buried insulator layer 20. The thickness of the induced depletion layer is proportional to the square-root of the voltage differential between the top semiconductor portions 32 and the bottom semiconductor layer 10. When the conductivity type of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is p-type and the voltage of the top semiconductor portions 32 is positive relative to the voltage at the bottom semiconductor layer 10, or when the conductivity type of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is n-type and the voltage of the top semiconductor portions 32 is negative relative to the voltage at the bottom semiconductor layer 10, the majority charge carriers, i.e., holes if the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is p-type or electrons if the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is n-type, are repelled from the upper portion of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 to form the induced charge layer 11, which is depleted of the majority charges. Further, when magnitude of the voltage differential between the top semiconductor portions 32 and the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is sufficiently great, an inversion layer including minority charges, i.e., electrons if the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is p-type or holes if the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is n-type, is formed within the induced charge layer 11. The thickness of the depletion zone and the inversion layer in the induced charge layer 11 depend on the magnitude of the voltage differential between the top semiconductor portions 32 and the bottom semiconductor layer 10. The change in the thickness of the induced charge layer 11 as well as the amount of charge in the induced charge layer generates additional harmonic signals of the RF frequency in this phase of the frequency cycle of the RF signal, which is coupled to semiconductor devices in a top semiconductor portion 32, thereby providing a spurious signal even when the RF switch is turned off.

In view of the above, there exists a need for a semiconductor structure providing enhanced signal isolation for semiconductor devices from a bottom semiconductor layer in a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of operating the same.

Particularly, there exists a need for a semiconductor structure in which generation of harmonic components of the RF signal through variation in the capacitance of an induced charge layer is minimized thereby reducing spurious signals, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of operating the same.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a semiconductor structure including a biased electrical contact to an upper portion of a bottom semiconductor layer, wherein an induced charge layer is stabilized in a depletion mode and thereby preventing an accumulation mode in the induced charge layer, design structures and methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of operating the same.

In the present invention, a doped semiconductor region having a same conductivity type as a bottom semiconductor layer is formed underneath a buried insulator layer in a bottom semiconductor layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. At least one conductive via structure is formed, which extends from a interconnect-level metal line through a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer, a shallow trench isolation structure in a top semiconductor layer, and a buried insulator layer to the doped semiconductor region. The shallow trench isolation structure laterally abuts at least one field effect transistor that functions as a radio frequency (RF) switch. During operation, the doped semiconductor region is biased at a voltage that keeps an induced charge layer within the bottom semiconductor layer in a depletion mode and avoids an accumulation mode. The doped semiconductor region is biased at a voltage that keeps an induced charge layer within the bottom semiconductor layer in depletion mode and avoids accumulation mode. Elimination of electrical charges in an accumulation mode during half of each frequency cycle reduces harmonic generation and signal distortion in the RF switch. A design structure for such a semiconductor structure is also provided.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a method of forming a semiconductor structure is provided, which comprises:

forming at least one field effect transistor on a top semiconductor layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, said SOI substrate further comprising a bottom semiconductor layer having a doping concentration;

forming a shallow trench isolation structure in said top semiconductor layer, wherein said shallow trench isolation structure laterally abuts and surrounds said at least one field effect transistor;

forming a doped semiconductor region in said bottom semiconductor layer, wherein said doped semiconductor region abuts said buried insulator layer and has a doping of a same conductivity type as said bottom semiconductor layer, and further wherein said doped semiconductor region has a doping concentration greater than a doping concentration of said bottom semiconductor layer, said doped semiconductor region located in a region that is not below said at least one field effect transistor;

forming a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer over said at least one field effect transistor and said shallow trench isolation structure; and

forming at least one conductive via extending from a top surface of said MOL dielectric layer through said MOL dielectric layer, said shallow trench isolation structure, a buried insulator layer, and to said doped semiconductor region.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

forming at least one via cavity extending from the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer to the top surface of the bottom semiconductor layer; and

filling the at least one via cavity with a conductive material, wherein the at least one conductive via is formed by the conductive material that fills the at least one via cavity.

In another embodiment, each of the at least one conductive via is of unitary construction and extends from the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer to the top surface of the doped semiconductor region.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises:

forming at least one via cavity extending from a top surface of the shallow trench isolation structure to the top surface of the bottom semiconductor layer; and

filling the at least one via cavity with a conductive material, wherein at least one lower conductive via is formed by the conductive material that fills the at least one via cavity.

In even another embodiment, the method further comprises:

forming at least another via cavity extending from the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer to at least one top surface of the at least one lower conductive via; and

filling the at least another via cavity with another conductive material, wherein at least one upper conductive via is formed by the other conductive material that fills the at least another via cavity.

In yet another embodiment, the bottom semiconductor layer comprises single crystalline silicon having a resistivity greater than 5 Ohms-cm.

In still another embodiment, each of the at least one conductive via comprises a vertically abutting stack of a lower contact via and an upper contact via, wherein a top surface of the upper conductive via extends to the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer, and a bottom surface of the lower conductive via extends to the top surface of the doped semiconductor region.

In a further embodiment, the at least one conductive via comprises a contact via of unitary construction and laterally surrounding an entirety of the at least one field effect transistor.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of operating a semiconductor device is provided, which comprises:

-   -   providing a semiconductor device including:         -   a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate including a top             semiconductor layer, a buried insulator layer, and a bottom             semiconductor layer;         -   at least one field effect transistor located on the top             semiconductor layer;         -   a shallow trench isolation structure laterally abutting the             at least one field effect transistor;         -   a degenerately doped semiconductor region embedded in the             bottom semiconductor layer and abutting the buried insulator             layer and having a doping of the same conductivity type as             the bottom semiconductor layer, the doped semiconductor             region located in regions not below said at least one field             effect transistor; and         -   at least one conductive via extending from a top surface of             a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer through the MOL             dielectric layer, the shallow trench isolation structure, a             buried insulator layer, and to a top surface of the doped             semiconductor region;     -   applying a radio frequency (RF) signal to the at least one field         effect transistor, wherein an induced charge layer is formed         directly underneath the buried insulator layer; and     -   electrically biasing the doped semiconductor region and the at         least one conductive via, wherein an entirety of the induced         charge layer is in depletion mode through an entirety of a cycle         of the RF signal.

In one embodiment, the at least one field effect transistor constitutes a radio frequency switch for a signal having a frequency from about 3 Hz to about 300 GHz.

In another embodiment, the bottom semiconductor layer and the doped semiconductor region have a p-type doping, and wherein a bias voltage applied to the doped semiconductor region and the at least one conductive via is a constant negative voltage, wherein a magnitude of the constant negative voltage is about the same as, or greater than, a magnitude of maximum negative swing of the RF signal.

In yet another embodiment, the bottom semiconductor layer and the doped semiconductor region have an n-type doping, and wherein a bias voltage applied to the doped semiconductor region and the at least one conductive via is a constant positive voltage, wherein a magnitude of the constant positive voltage is about the same as, or greater than, a magnitude of maximum positive swing of the RF signal.

In still another embodiment, a thickness of the induced charge layer varies in time at a signal frequency of the RF signal in the at least one field effect transistor, and wherein the induced charge layer is not in accumulation mode through the entirety of the cycle of the RF signal.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a semiconductor structure is provided, which comprises:

-   -   a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate including a top         semiconductor layer, a buried insulator layer, and a bottom         semiconductor layer having a doping concentration;     -   at least one field effect transistor located on said top         semiconductor layer;     -   a shallow trench isolation structure laterally abutting said at         least one field effect transistor;     -   a doped semiconductor region embedded in said bottom         semiconductor layer and abutting said buried insulator layer and         having a doping of the same conductivity type as said bottom         semiconductor layer, said doped semiconductor region excluded         from regions beneath said at least one field effect transistor,         and said doped semiconductor region having a doping         concentration significantly greater than said doping         concentration of said bottom semiconductor layer; and     -   at least one conductive via extending from a top surface of a         middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer through said MOL         dielectric layer, said shallow trench isolation structure, said         buried insulator layer, and to a top surface of said doped         semiconductor region.

In one embodiment, the doped semiconductor region has a dopant concentration from about 1.0×10¹⁹/cm³ to about 1.0×10²¹/cm³.

In another embodiment, the bottom semiconductor layer comprises single crystalline silicon having a resistivity greater than 5 Ohms-cm.

In even another embodiment, each of the at least one conductive via comprises a vertically abutting stack of a lower contact via and an upper contact via, wherein a top surface of the upper conductive via extends to the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer, and a bottom surface of the lower conductive via extends to the top surface of the doped semiconductor region.

In yet another embodiment, the at least one conductive via comprises an array of conductive vias that do not abut one another.

In still another embodiment, the at least one conductive via comprises a contact via of unitary construction and laterally surrounding an entirety of the at least one field effect transistor.

In a further embodiment, the semiconductor structure comprises an induced charge layer located in an upper portion of the bottom semiconductor layer and including positive charges or negative charges.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a design structure embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing a design for a semiconductor structure is provided. The design structure comprises:

-   -   a first data representing a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI)         substrate including a top semiconductor layer, a buried         insulator layer, and a bottom semiconductor layer having a         doping concentration;     -   a second data representing at least one field effect transistor         located on said top semiconductor layer;     -   a third data representing a shallow trench isolation structure         laterally abutting said at least one field effect transistor;     -   a fourth data representing a doped semiconductor region embedded         in said bottom semiconductor layer and abutting said buried         insulator layer and having a doping of the same conductivity         type as said bottom semiconductor layer, said doped         semiconductor region excluded from regions beneath said at least         one field effect transistor, and said doped semiconductor region         having a doping concentration significantly greater than said         doping concentration of said bottom semiconductor layer; and     -   a fifth data representing at least one conductive via extending         from a top surface of a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer         through said MOL dielectric layer, said shallow trench isolation         structure, said buried insulator layer, and to a top surface of         said doped semiconductor region.

In one embodiment, the fifth data represents at least one conductive via of unitary construction extending from the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer to the top surface of the doped semiconductor region.

In another embodiment, the fifth data represents at least one conductive via, each of which comprises a vertically abutting stack of a lower contact via and an upper contact via, wherein a top surface of the upper conductive via extends to the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer, and a bottom surface of the lower conductive via extends to the top surface of the doped semiconductor region.

In even another embodiment, the fifth data represents an array of conductive vias that do not abut one another.

In yet another embodiment, the fifth data represents a contact via of unitary construction and laterally surrounding an entirety of the at least one field effect transistor.

In still another embodiment, the second data represents a radio frequency switch for a signal having a frequency from about 3 Hz to about 300 GHz.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a prior art radio frequency switch structure.

FIGS. 2-4, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, and 7-13 are various views of a first exemplary semiconductor structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 11 are sequential vertical cross-sectional views.

FIG. 5A is a top-down view of a first configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure in FIG. 4. FIG. 5B is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the first configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure at the X-X′ in FIG. 4. FIG. 6A is a top-down view of a second configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure in FIG. 4. FIG. 6B is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the second configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure at the X-X′ in FIG. 4. The plane Z-Z′ in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B corresponds to the plane of the vertical cross-sectional view in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a modified top-down view of a third configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure of FIG. 8 in which a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer 80 is omitted for clarity. FIG. 10 is a modified top-down view of a fourth configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure of FIG. 8 in which the middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer 80 is omitted for clarity. The plane Z-Z′ in FIGS. 9 and 10 corresponds to the plane of the vertical cross-sectional view in FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a top-down view of the third configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a top-down view of the fourth configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure of FIG. 11. The plane Z-Z′ in FIGS. 12 and 13 corresponds to the plane of the vertical cross-sectional view in FIG. 11.

FIG. 2 corresponds to a step after formation of at least one lower via cavity 27 through a shallow trench isolation structure 27 and a buried insulator layer 20. FIG. 3 corresponds to a step after formation of at least one doped semiconductor region 28. FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B correspond to a step after formation of at least one lower conductive via 37. FIG. 7 corresponds to a step after formation of at least one field effect transistor, a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer 80, and at least one upper via cavity 57. FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 correspond to a step after formation of at least one upper conductive via 87. FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 correspond to a step after formation of an interconnect-level dielectric layer 90, interconnect-level metal lines 98, and an interconnect-level metal line 99 abutting the at least one conductive via 89.

FIGS. 14-17, 18A, 18B, 19A, 19B, and 20-24 are various views of a second exemplary semiconductor structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 14-17, 20, 23, and 24 are sequential vertical cross-sectional views.

FIG. 18A is a top-down view of a first configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure in FIG. 17. FIG. 18B is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the first configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure at the plane X-X′ in FIG. 17. FIG. 19A is a top-down view of a second configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure in FIG. 17. FIG. 19B is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the second configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure at the plane X-X′ in FIG. 17. The plane Z-Z′ in FIGS. 18A, 18B, 19A, and 19B corresponds to the plane of the vertical cross-sectional view in FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a modified top-down view of the first configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure of FIG. 20 in which a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer 80 is omitted for clarity. FIG. 22 is a modified top-down view of the second configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure of FIG. 20 in which the middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer 80 is omitted for clarity. The plane Z-Z′ in FIGS. 21 and 22 corresponds to the plane of the vertical cross-sectional view in FIG. 20.

FIG. 14 corresponds to a step after formation of at least one field effect transistor and a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer 80. FIG. 15 corresponds to a step after formation of at least one via cavity 59. FIG. 16 corresponds to a step after formation of at least one doped semiconductor region 28. FIGS. 17, 18A, 18B, 19A, and 19B correspond to a step after formation of at least one first conductive via 79. FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 correspond to a step after formation of second conductive vias 88. FIG. 23 corresponds to a step after formation of an interconnect-level dielectric layer 90, interconnect-level metal lines 98, and an interconnect-level metal line 99 abutting the at least one conductive via 89.

FIG. 24 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the second exemplary semiconductor structure during operation, which included an induced charge layer 11.

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram of a design process used in semiconductor design and manufacture of the semiconductor structures according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As stated above, the present invention relates to a semiconductor structure including a radio frequency switch on a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of operating the same, which are described herein with accompanying figures. As used herein, when introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals or letters are used to designate like or equivalent elements. Detailed descriptions of known functions and constructions unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of the present invention have been omitted for clarity. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

As used herein, radio frequency (RF) denotes a frequency of electromagnetic wave within the range of 3 Hz to 300 GHz. Radio frequency corresponds to the frequency of electromagnetic wave that is used to produce and detect radio waves. Radio frequency includes very high frequency (VHF), ultra high frequency (UHF), super high frequency (SHF), and extremely high frequency (EHF).

As used herein, very high frequency (VHF) refers to a frequency in the range from 30 MHz to 300 MHz. VHF is used, among others, for frequency modulation (FM) broadcasting. Ultra high frequency (UHF) refers to a frequency in the range from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. UHF is used, among others, for mobile telephones, wireless networks, and microwave ovens. Super high frequency (SHF) refers to a frequency in the range from 3 GHz to 30 GHz. SHF is used, among others, for wireless networking, radar, and satellite links. Extremely high frequency (EHF) refers to a frequency in the range from 30 GHz to 300 GHz. EHF produces millimeter waves having a wavelength from 1 mm to 10 mm, and is used, among others, for data links and remote sensing.

The term “accumulation region” refers to a doped semiconductor region in which the majority charge carriers accumulate due to external voltage bias. A p-doped semiconductor region is in accumulation mode if excess holes, which are the majority charge carriers in the p-doped semiconductor region, accumulate in the p-doped semiconductor region by an external negative voltage so that the p-doped semiconductor region has a net positive charge. An n-doped semiconductor region is in accumulation mode if excess electrons, which are the majority charge carriers in the n-doped semiconductor region, accumulate in the n-doped semiconductor region by an external positive voltage so that the n-doped semiconductor region has a net negative charge.

The term “depletion region” refers to a doped semiconductor region from which the majority charge carriers are repelled due to external voltage bias while minority charge carriers do not accumulate so that majority charge carriers and minority charge carriers are depleted from the doped semiconductor region. A p-doped semiconductor region is in depletion mode if holes, which are the majority charge carriers in the p-doped semiconductor region, are depleted in the p-doped semiconductor region by a weak external positive voltage so that the p-doped semiconductor region has a net negative charge. An n-doped semiconductor region is in depletion mode if electrons, which are the majority charge carriers in the n-doped semiconductor region, are depleted in the n-doped semiconductor region by a weak external negative voltage so that the n-doped semiconductor region has a net positive charge.

The term “inversion region” refers to a doped semiconductor region in which minority charge carriers accumulate. Typically, an inversion region forms at a semiconductor surface in close proximity to a strong external voltage. A p-doped semiconductor region is in inversion mode if electrons, which are the minority charge carriers in the p-doped semiconductor region, accumulate in the p-doped semiconductor region by a strong external positive voltage so that the p-doped semiconductor region has a net negative charge. An n-doped semiconductor region is in inversion mode if holes, which are the minority charge carriers in the n-doped semiconductor region, accumulate in the n-doped semiconductor region by a strong external negative voltage so that the n-doped semiconductor region has a net positive charge.

Referring to FIG. 2, a first exemplary semiconductor structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a semiconductor substrate 8, a photoresist 35 that is applied to the top surface of the semiconductor substrate and lithographically patterned, and at least one lower via cavity 27 formed by transferring the pattern in the photoresist 35 into the semiconductor substrate 8. The semiconductor substrate 8 is a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate that includes a bottom semiconductor layer 10, a buried insulator layer 20, and a top semiconductor layer 30. The top semiconductor layer 30 includes at least one top semiconductor portion 32 and a shallow trench isolation structure 33.

Each of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 and the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 comprises a semiconductor material such as silicon, a silicon germanium alloy region, silicon, germanium, a silicon-germanium alloy region, a silicon carbon alloy region, a silicon-germanium-carbon alloy region, gallium arsenide, indium arsenide, indium gallium arsenide, indium phosphide, lead sulfide, other III-V compound semiconductor materials, and II-VI compound semiconductor materials. The semiconductor material of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 and the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 may be the same, or different. Typically, each of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 and the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 comprises a single crystalline semiconductor material. For example, the single crystalline semiconductor material may be silicon.

The bottom semiconductor layer 10 has a resistivity greater than 5 Ohms-cm, which includes, for example, p-doped single crystalline silicon having p-type dopants at an atomic concentration less than about 2.0×10¹⁵/cm³ or n-doped single crystalline silicon having n-type dopants at an atomic concentration less than about 1.0×10¹⁵/cm³. Preferably, the bottom semiconductor layer 10 has a resistivity greater than 50 Ohms-cm, which includes, for example, p-doped single crystalline silicon having p-type dopants at an atomic concentration less than about 2.0×10¹⁴/cm³ or n-doped single crystalline silicon having n-type dopants at an atomic concentration less than about 1.0×10¹⁴/cm³. More preferably, the bottom semiconductor layer 10 has a resistivity greater than 1 kOhms-cm, which includes, for example, p-doped single crystalline silicon having p-type dopants at an atomic concentration less than about 1.0×10¹³/cm³ or n-doped single crystalline silicon having n-type dopants at an atomic concentration less than about 5.0×10¹²/cm³. The conductivity type of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is herein referred to as a first conductivity type, which may be p-type or n-type.

The high resistivity of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 reduces eddy current, thereby reducing parasitic coupling of radio frequency signal generated or propagated in the top semiconductor layer 30 with the bottom semiconductor layer 10. While silicon is used herein to illustrate the required dopant level for each threshold resistivity value for the bottom semiconductor layer 10, target dopant concentrations for other semiconductor materials may be readily obtained since each type of semiconductor material has a well established relationship between the dopant concentration and the resistivity of the semiconductor material.

The thickness of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is typically from about 400 microns to about 1,000 microns, and typically from about 500 microns to about 900 microns at this step. If the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is subsequently thinned, the thickness of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 may be from about 50 microns to about 800 microns.

The buried insulator layer 20 comprises a dielectric material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof. The thickness of the buried insulator layer 20 may be from about 50 nm to about 500 nm, and typically from about 100 nm to about 300 nm, although lesser and greater thicknesses are also contemplated herein.

The shallow trench isolation structure 33 comprises a dielectric material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof. The shallow trench isolation structure 33 may be formed by forming at least one trench that extends to a top surface of the buried insulator layer 20 within the top semiconductor layer 30, filling the at least one trench with a dielectric material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride, and removing the portion of the dielectric material from above the top surface of the top semiconductor layer 30 by planarization employing, for example, chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) and/or recess etch. In case the at least one trench is contiguous, the shallow trench isolation structure 33 may be of unitary construction, i.e., in one piece. The shallow trench isolation structure 33 may laterally abut and surround each of the at least one top semiconductor portion 32.

The thickness of the top semiconductor layer 30 may be from about 20 nm to about 200 nm, and typically from about 40 nm to about 100 nm, although lesser and greater thicknesses are also contemplated herein.

The at least one top semiconductor portion 32 may be implanted with dopants of p-type or n-type. Typically, the dopant concentration of the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 is from about 1.0×10¹⁵/cm³ to about 1.0×10¹⁸/cm³, which corresponds to a dopant concentration for a body region of a field effect transistor, although lesser and greater concentrations are also contemplated herein.

The photoresist 35 is applied to a top surface of the top layer 30 and lithographically patterned to form openings. The openings in the photoresist 35 overlie the shallow trench isolation structure 33. Each of the openings is located outside the area of the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 and inside the area of the shallow trench isolation structure 33 in a top-down view.

The pattern of the openings in the photoresist 35 is transferred into the shallow trench isolation structure 33 and the buried insulator layer 20 by an anisotropic etch, which may be a reactive ion etch. The photoresist 35 is employed as an etch mask for the anisotropic etch. At least one lower via cavity 27 is formed underneath the openings in the photoresist 35.

Preferably, the anisotropic etch is selective to the semiconductor material of the semiconductor material of the bottom semiconductor layer 10. For example, if the bottom semiconductor layer 10 comprises silicon, an anisotropic etch that removes dielectric material, such as silicon oxide, selective to silicon may be employed to provide an anisotropic etch that stops on the top surfaces of the top surface of the bottom semiconductor layer 10.

A top surface of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is exposed at the bottom of each of the at least one lower via cavity 27. Each of the at least one lower via cavity 27 is formed within the shallow trench isolation structure 33 and the buried insulator layer 20. Each of the at least one lower via cavity 27 extends from a top surface of the shallow trench isolation structure 33, through the shallow trench isolation structure 33 and the buried insulator layer 20, and to the top surface of the bottom semiconductor layer 10. Variations in which the at least one lower via cavity 27 extends further into the bottom semiconductor layer are explicitly contemplated herein.

The sidewalls of each of the at least one lower via cavity 27 may be substantially vertically coincident from the top surface of the shallow trench isolation structure 33 to the top surface of the bottom semiconductor layer 10. In other words, the portions of the sidewalls of each of the at least one lower via cavity 27 in the shallow trench isolation structure 33 and the buried insulator layer 20 may overlap each other in a top-down view. In case a taper is present in the sidewalls of the at least one lower via cavity 27, the angle of taper may be from about 0 degree to about 5 degrees, and typically from 0 degree to about 2 degrees, although greater taper angles are also contemplated herein. The depth of each of the at least one lower via cavity 27 beneath the top surface of the top semiconductor layer 30 may be equal to the sum of the thickness of the buried insulator layer 20 and the thickness of the top semiconductor layer 30.

In a first configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure, the at least one lower via cavity 27 is an array of lower via cavities. Each lower via cavity in the array of lower via cavities is a discrete via cavity that does not abut another via cavity.

In a second configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure, the at least one lower via cavity 27 is a single via cavity having a plurality of lower via cavity portions that are interconnected among one another. In other words, the at least one lower via cavity 27 includes a plurality of lower via cavity portions that are laterally connected between the top surface of the shallow trench isolation structure 33 and a top surface of the bottom semiconductor layer 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, at least one doped semiconductor region 28 is formed by implanting dopants of the first conductivity type into exposed portion of the bottom semiconductor layer 10. Due to lateral straggle of the implanted dopants, the at least one doped semiconductor region extends laterally outside the area of the at least one lower via cavity 27 and vertically abuts a bottom surface of the buried insulator layer 20. In case the first conductivity type is p-type, the implanted dopants may comprise B, Ga, In, or a combination thereof. In case the first conductivity type is n-type, the implanted dopants may comprise P, As, Sb, or a combination thereof. The photoresist 35 functions as a self-aligning mask for the ion implantation so the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 is formed beneath the at least one lower via cavity 27. Each of the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 vertically abuts a bottom surface of the at least one lower via cavity 27 and the bottom surface buried insulator layer 20. In case the bottom semiconductor layer 10 comprises a single crystalline semiconductor material, the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 is also single crystalline. The doping concentration of the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 is greater than the doping concentration of the bottom semiconductor layer 10. In particular, it is advantageous for the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 to have a doping concentration sufficiently high to provide a non-rectifying (i.e. ohmic) contact from the via (to be formed in subsequent steps) to the doped semiconductor region 28, and hence to the bottom semiconductor layer 10. For example, a doping concentration greater than about 1×10¹⁹ cm⁻³ for the doped semiconductor region 28 may be preferred. It is a further advantage for the bottom semiconductor layer 10 to be of a low doping concentration so as to allow for a large depletion region below the at least one top semiconductor portion 32. For example, a doping concentration less than about 5×10¹⁵ cm⁻³ for the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is beneficial for reducing radio-frequency energy losses into the substrate and a doping concentration of bottom semiconductor layer 10 of less than about 1×10¹³ cm⁻³ provides further suppression of signal distortion. Thus, doped semiconductor region 28 is of a higher doping concentration than that of bottom semiconductor layer 10, wherein the doping concentration of the doped semiconductor region 28 is preferably at least 1000 times greater than the doping concentration of bottom semiconductor layer 10 in a region below the at least one top semiconductor portion 32.

The thickness of the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 may be from about 10 nm to about 600 nm, and typically from about 50 nm to about 300 nm, although lesser and greater thicknesses are also contemplated herein. The at least one doped semiconductor region 28 is typically heavily doped to reduce the resistivity. The at least one doped semiconductor region 28 may have a dopant concentration from about 1.0×10¹⁹/cm³ to abut 1.0×10²¹/cm³, although lesser and greater dopants concentrations are also contemplated herein. The photoresist 35 is subsequently removed selective to the top semiconductor layer 30, the exposed sidewalls of the buried insulator layer 20, and the at least one doped semiconductor region 28.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, at least one lower conductive via 37 is formed within each of the at least one lower via cavity 27 in the shallow trench isolation structure 33 and the buried insulator layer 20. FIG. 4 is a common vertical cross-sectional view of a first configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B and a second configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 5A is a top-down view of the first configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure. FIG. 5B is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the first configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure along the plane X-X′ in FIG. 4. FIG. 6A is a top-down view of the second configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure. FIG. 6B is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the second configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure along the plane X-X′ in FIG. 4. The plane Z-Z′ in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B corresponds to the plane of the vertical cross-section for the common vertical cross-sectional view of the first exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIG. 4.

Specifically, a conductive material is deposited into the at least one lower via cavity 27. The conductive material may be a doped semiconductor material or a metallic material. For example, the conductive material may be doped polysilicon, a doped silicon-containing semiconductor material, a doped compound semiconductor material, an elemental metal, an alloy of at least two elemental metals, a conductive metal nitride, etc. The excess conductive material above the top surface of the top semiconductor layer 30 is removed, for example, by chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), recess etch, or a combination thereof. The remaining portions of the conductive material in the at least one lower via cavity 27 constitute the at least one lower conductive via 37. Each of the at least one lower conductive via 37 extends from a top surface of the shallow trench isolation structure 33 to the top surface of the at least one doped semiconductor region 28. Each of the at least one lower conductive via 37 vertically abut the top surface of the at least one doped semiconductor region 28.

In the first configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B, the at least one lower conductive via 37 is an array of conductive vias. Each conductive via in the array of the conductive vias is disjoined from other conductive vias, i.e., does not abut another conductive via.

In a second configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIGS. 4, 6A, and 6B, the at least one lower conductive via 37 is a single conductive via having a plurality of conductive via portions that are interconnected among one another. In other words, the at least one lower conductive via 37 includes a plurality of conductive via portions that are laterally connected between the top surface of the shallow trench isolation structure 33 and the top surface of the at least one doped semiconductor region 28.

In the second configuration, the at least one lower conductive via 37 is a single contact via of unitary construction, i.e., in one contiguous piece, and laterally surrounds the entirety of the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 in which at least one field effect transistor is subsequently formed.

Referring to FIG. 7, at least one field effect transistor is formed directly on the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 by methods known in the art. Specifically, a gate dielectric 40, a gate electrode 42, and a gate spacer 44 are formed for each field effect transistor. A source region (not shown) and a drain region (not shown) are also formed in the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 for each field effect transistor by implanting dopants employing the gate electrode 42 and the gate spacer 44 of the field effect transistor as a self-aligning implantation mask.

A middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer 80 is formed on the at least one field effect transistor, the at least one top semiconductor portion 32, the shallow trench isolation structure 33, and the top surface(s) of the at least one lower conductive via 37. The MOL dielectric layer 80 may comprise silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, an organosilicate glass (OSG), low-k chemical vapor deposition (CVD) oxide, a self-planarizing material such as a spin-on glass (SOG), and/or a spin-on low-k dielectric material such as SiLK™. Exemplary silicon oxides include undoped silicate glass (USG), borosilicate glass (BSG), phosphosilicate glass (PSG), fluorosilicate glass (FSG), borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG), or a combination thereof. The total thickness of the MOL dielectric layer 80, as measured from a top surface of the shallow trench isolation structure 33, may be from about 100 nm to about 10,000 nm, and typically from about 200 nm to about 5,000 nm. The top surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80 may be planarized, for example, by chemical mechanical planarization.

A photoresist 67 is applied to a top surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80 and lithographically patterned to form openings. The openings include first openings O1 that overlie the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 and at least one second opening O2 that overlies the shallow trench isolation structure 33. Each of the first openings O1 is located inside the area of the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 and outside the area of the shallow trench isolation structure 33 in a see-through top-down view. Each of the at least one second opening O2 is located outside the area of the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 and inside the area of the shallow trench isolation structure 33 in the see-through top-down view. The second openings O2 overlie the at least one lower conductive via 37.

The pattern of the first openings O1 and the at least one second opening O2 in the photoresist 67 is transferred into the MOL dielectric layer 80 by an anisotropic etch, which may be a reactive ion etch. The photoresist 67 is employed as an etch mask for the anisotropic etch. first upper via cavities 58 are formed underneath the first openings O1 in the photoresist 67, and at least one second via cavity 57 is formed underneath the at least one second opening O2 in the photoresist 67.

Preferably, the anisotropic etch is selective to the semiconductor material of the at least one top semiconductor portions 32. The anisotropic etch proceeds until a top surface of the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 is exposed at a bottom of the first upper via cavities 58. At this point, the top surface(s) of the at least one lower conductive via 37 is/are exposed at a bottom of the at least one second upper via cavity 57. The anisotropic etch may be selective to the at least one lower conductive via 37. In this case, the depth of some of the first upper via cavities 58 and the depth of the at least one second upper via cavity 57 may be substantially the same as the thickness of the MOL dielectric layer 80.

A top surface of the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 is exposed at the bottom of some of the first upper via cavities 58. A top surface of one of the at least one lower conductive via 37 is exposed at the bottom of each of at least one second upper via cavity 57. The first upper via cavities 58 and the at least one lower second upper via cavity 57 are formed within the MOL dielectric layer 80, and extend from the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80 to a top surface of the top semiconductor layer 30, which coincides with the bottom surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80. The photoresist 67 is subsequently removed.

In a third configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure, the at least one second upper via cavity 57 is an array of via cavities. Each via cavity in the array of via cavities is a discrete via cavity that does not abut another via cavity. The third configuration may be combined with the first configuration or the second configuration described above since the variations in the features of the third configuration is limited to the at least one second upper via cavity 57.

In a fourth configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure, the at least one second upper via cavity 57 is a single via cavity having a plurality of via cavity portions that are interconnected among one another. In other words, the at least one second upper via cavity 57 includes a plurality of via cavity portions that are laterally connected between the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80 and a top surface of the top semiconductor layer 30, which coincides with the bottom surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80. The third configuration may be combined with the first configuration or the second configuration described above since the variations in the features of the third configuration is limited to the at least one second upper via cavity 57.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, second conductive vias 88 and at least one upper conductive via 87 are formed in the MOL dielectric layer 80. FIG. 8 is a common vertical cross-sectional view of the third configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIG. 9 and the fourth configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 9 is a modified top-down view of the third configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure in which the MOL dielectric layer 80 is omitted for clarity. FIG. 10 is a modified top-down view of the fourth configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure in which the MOL dielectric layer 80 is omitted for clarity. The plane Z-Z′ in FIGS. 9 and 10 corresponds to the plane of the vertical cross-section for the common vertical cross-sectional view of the first exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIG. 8.

Specifically, a conductive material is deposited into the first upper via cavities 58 and the at least one second upper via cavity 57. The conductive material may be a doped semiconductor material or a metallic material. For example, the conductive material may be doped polysilicon, a doped silicon-containing semiconductor material, a doped compound semiconductor material, an elemental metal, an alloy of at least two elemental metals, a conductive metal nitride, etc. The excess conductive material above the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80 is removed, for example, by chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), recess etch, or a combination thereof. The remaining portions of the conductive material in the first upper via cavities 58 constitute second conductive vias 88, and the remaining portion(s) of the conductive material in the at least one second upper via cavity 57 constitute(s) at least one upper conductive via 87. The second conductive vias 88 may be formed directly on the source regions (not shown separately), the drain regions (not shown separately) and the gate electrodes 42 of the at least one field effect transistor. The source regions and the drain regions are located in the at least one top semiconductor portion 32.

In the third configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the at least one upper conductive via 87 is an array of conductive vias. Each conductive via in the array of the conductive vias is disjoined from other conductive vias, i.e., does not abut another conductive via.

In the fourth configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the at least one upper conductive via 87 is a single conductive via having a plurality of conductive via portions that are interconnected among one another. In other words, the at least one upper conductive via 87 includes a plurality of conductive via portions that are laterally connected between the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80 and the top surface of the shallow trench isolation structure 33.

In the fourth configuration, the at least one upper conductive via 87 is a single contact via of unitary construction, and laterally surrounds the entirety of the at least one field effect transistor. In case the at least one field effect transistor is a plurality of field effect transistors, all of the plurality of field effect transistors may be laterally enclosed by the single contact via.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, an interconnect-level dielectric layer 90, first interconnect-level metal lines 98, and a second interconnect-level metal line 99 are formed directly on the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80. FIG. 12 is a common vertical cross-sectional view of the third and fourth configurations of the first exemplary semiconductor structure of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a top-down view of the third configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a top-down view of the fourth configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention.

The dielectric material for the interconnect-level dielectric layer 90 may comprise any of the dielectric material that may be employed for the MOL dielectric layer 80 as described above. The thickness of the interconnect-level dielectric layer 90 may be from about 75 nm to about 1,000 nm, and typically from about 150 nm to about 500 nm, although lesser and greater thicknesses are also contemplated herein.

The first interconnect-level metal lines 98 and the second interconnect-level metal line 99 are embedded in the interconnect-level dielectric layer 90, and may be formed by deposition of a metallic material and a subsequent planarization. The metallic material of the first interconnect-level metal lines 98 and the second interconnect-level metal line 99 may be deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD), electroplating, electroless plating, chemical vapor deposition, or a combination thereof. The first interconnect-level metal lines 98 and the second interconnect-level metal line 99 may comprise, for example, Cu, Al, W, Ta, Ti, WN, TaN, TiN, or a combination thereof.

Each of the second conductive vias 88 vertically abuts one of the first interconnect-level metal lines 98. Each of the at least one upper conductive via 87 vertically abuts the second interconnect-level metal line 99.

In the third configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure, the at least one upper conductive via 87 is an array of conductive vias. Each conductive via in the array of the conductive vias vertically abuts the second interconnect-level metal line 99. In case the at least one field effect transistor comprises a plurality of field effect transistors, sources and drains of the plurality of field effect transistors may be wired by the first interconnect-level metal lines 98 within the interconnect-level dielectric layer 90, i.e., in a single wiring level.

In the fourth configuration of the first exemplary semiconductor structure, the at least one upper conductive via 87 is a single conductive via having a plurality of conductive via portions that are interconnected among one another. The single contact via is of unitary construction and laterally surrounds the entirety of the at least one field effect transistor. The single conductive via vertically abuts the second interconnect-level metal line 99.

The at least one lower conductive via 37 and the at least one upper conductive via 87 collectively constitute at least one first conductive via 89, which extends from the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80 to the bottom surface of the buried insulator layer 20. Thus, at least one first conductive via 89 comprises a vertically abutting stack of the at least one lower conductive via 37 and the at least one upper conductive via 87. The bottom surface of each of the at least one upper conductive via 87 vertically abut a top surface of one of the at least one lower conductive via 37 at a level that is substantially coplanar with the top surface of the top semiconductor layer 30. A physically manifested interface is present at each bottom surface of the at least one lower conductive via 37 that vertically abut one of the at least one lower conductive via 37. The at least one lower conductive via 37 and the at least one upper conductive via 87 may comprise the same conductive material or different conductive materials. The at least one first conductive via 89 directly contacts the at least one doped semiconductor region 28.

For configurations for the at least one first conductive via 89 are provided by the present invention, which include a first combination of the first configuration for the at least one lower conductive via 37 and the third configuration for the at least one upper conductive via 87, a second combination of the first configuration for the at least one lower conductive via 37 and the fourth configuration for the at least one upper conductive via 87, a third combination of the second configuration for the at least one lower conductive via 37 and the third configuration for the at least one upper conductive via 87, and a fourth combination of the second configuration for the at least one lower conductive via 37 and the fourth configuration for the at least one upper conductive via 87.

In the first combination, the at least one lower conductive via 37 comprises an array of lower conductive vias that are disjoined among one another, and the at least one upper conductive via 87 comprises an array of upper conductive vias that are disjoined among one another. The array of lower conductive vias abuts the array of upper conductive vias at multiple separated interface areas that are substantially coplanar with the top surface of the top semiconductor layer 30.

In the second combination, the at least one lower conductive via 37 comprises an array of lower conductive vias that are disjoined among one another, and the at least one upper conductive via 87 comprises a single upper conductive vias of unitary construction. The array of lower conductive vias abuts the single upper conductive via at multiple separated interface areas that are substantially coplanar with the top surface of the top semiconductor layer 30.

In the third combination, the at least one lower conductive via 37 comprises a single lower conductive vias of unitary construction, and the at least one upper conductive via 87 comprises an array of upper conductive vias that are disjoined among one another. The single lower conductive via abuts the array of upper conductive vias at multiple separated interface areas that are substantially coplanar with the top surface of the top semiconductor layer 30.

In the fourth combination, the at least one lower conductive via 37 comprises a single lower conductive vias of unitary construction, and the at least one upper conductive via 87 comprises a single upper conductive vias of unitary construction. The single lower conductive vias abuts the single upper conductive via at a single contiguous interface area that is substantially coplanar with the top surface of the top semiconductor layer 30.

Each combination in the first exemplary semiconductor structure includes the at least one field effect transistor, which may constitute a radio frequency switch for a signal having a frequency from about 3 Hz to about 300 GHz as in the first embodiment. Particularly, the at least one field effect transistor may constitute a radio frequency switch that is capable of operating at VHF, UHF, SHF, and EHF.

At such high frequencies, capacitive coupling between the at least one field effect transistor and the bottom semiconductor layer 10 may become significant since the capacitive coupling increases linearly with frequency. The radio frequency signal in the at least one field effect transistor causes formation of an induced charge layer 11 in an upper portion of the bottom semiconductor layer 10. In the absence of electrical bias applied to the bottom semiconductor layer 10, the induced charge layer 11 is formed directly underneath the buried insulator layer 11, and includes positive charges or negative charges.

Specifically, the electrical charges in the induced charge layer 11 changes polarity at the signal frequency of the radio signal in the at least one field effect transistor in the absence of an electrical bias to the bottom semiconductor layer 10. When the voltage in the at least one field effect transistor is positive relative to the bottom semiconductor layer 10, electrons accumulate in the induced charge layer 11. When the voltage in the at least one field effect transistor is negative relative to the bottom semiconductor layer 10, holes accumulate in the induced charge layer 11. Depending on the type of majority charge carriers in the bottom semiconductor layer 10, which is determined by the conductivity of the bottom semiconductor layer 10, the induced charge layer 11 may be in depletion mode having a net charge that is the opposite type of the conductivity of the bottom semiconductor layer 10, or may be in an inversion mode having a net charge that is the same type as the conductivity type of the bottom semiconductor layer 10.

Further, the thickness of the induced charge layer 11 changes in time at the signal frequency in the at least one field effect transistor. In other words, the frequency of the thickness change in the induced charge layer 11 is the radio frequency of the signal in the at least one field effect transistor.

According to the present invention, electrical bias is applied to the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 to stabilize the property of the induced charge layer 11 during the operation of the at least one field effect transistor, which may function as an RF switch. The at least one first conductive via 89 provides a low resistance electrical path for applying the electrical bias to the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 to stabilize the induced charge layer 11. The magnitude and polarity of the voltage bias applied to the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 are selected to maintain the entirety of the induced charge layer 11 in depletion mode or inversion mode, while preventing formation of any region in accumulation mode in the bottom semiconductor layer 10. The at least one doped semiconductor region 28 is of a high doping concentration to ensure a non-rectifying (i.e. ohmic) contact from the at least one first conductive via 89 to the bottom semiconductor layer 10. Furthermore, the at least one semiconductor region 28 is excluded from a region below the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 in order to maintain the low doping concentration of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 in that region. This feature of excluding the at least one semiconductor region 28 from the region below the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 in order to maintain the low doping concentration of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 in that region provides for a deep depletion region beneath the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 and, thus, provides for low signal distortion. Low signal distortion may include reduced non-linear response of current to the applied radio-frequency voltage on the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 and of the corresponding generated harmonic power.

In case the bottom semiconductor layer 10 and the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 have a p-type doping, the bias voltage applied to the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 and the at least one first conductive via 89 is a constant negative voltage. Preferably, the magnitude of the constant negative voltage is about the same as, or greater than, the magnitude of maximum negative swing of the RF signal. In other words, the constant negative voltage is more negative than the RF signal at any phase. In this case, the entirety of the induced charge layer 11 is charged with negative charges. Depending on the magnitude of the RF signal in the at least one field effect transistor and the composition and thickness of the buried insulator layer 20, or the entirety of the induced charge layer 11 may be a depletion region, the induced charge layer 11 may be a stack of a depletion region and an inversion region, in which the inversion region abuts the bottom surface of the buried insulator layer 20.

In case the bottom semiconductor layer 10 and the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 have an n-type doping, the bias voltage applied to the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 and the at least one first conductive via 89 is a constant positive voltage. Preferably, the magnitude of the constant positive voltage is about the same as, or greater than, the magnitude of maximum positive swing of the RF signal. In other words, the constant positive voltage is more positive than the RF signal at any phase. In this case, the entirety of the induced charge layer 11 is charged with positive charges. Depending on the magnitude of the RF signal in the at least one field effect transistor and the composition and thickness of the buried insulator layer 20, or the entirety of the induced charge layer 11 may be a depletion region, the induced charge layer 11 may be a stack of a depletion region and an inversion region, in which the inversion region abuts the bottom surface of the buried insulator layer 20.

The thickness of the induced charge layer 11 varies in time at the signal frequency of the RF signal in the at least one field effect transistor. However, the induced charge layer 11 is not in accumulation mode through the entirety of the cycle of the RF signal. Instead, the entirety of the induced charge layer 11 remains in depletion mode or inversion mode. The unchanging nature of the induced charge layer 11 due to the electrical bias reduces generation of harmonics by eliminating changes in polarity of electrical charges in the induced charge layer 11, which would be present without the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 and the at least one conductive via 89 or the electrical bias applied thereto. Further, the electrical bias increases average thickness of the depletion region in the induced charge layer 11. Since no mobile charge is present in the depletion region, generation of eddy current is reduced in the bottom semiconductor layer 10 and the induced charge layer 11 generated by the RF signal and embedded within the bottom semiconductor layer 10.

Referring to FIG. 14, a second exemplary semiconductor structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention comprises a semiconductor substrate 8, at least one field effect transistor formed thereupon, and a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer 80. The semiconductor substrate 8 includes a bottom semiconductor layer 10, a buried insulator layer 20, and a top semiconductor layer 30 as in the first embodiment. The top semiconductor layer 30 includes at least one top semiconductor portion 32 and a shallow trench isolation structure 33.

The composition and the thickness of the bottom semiconductor layer 10, the buried insulator layer 20, and the top semiconductor layer 30 may be the same as in the first embodiment. The resistivity of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 may also be the same as in the first embodiment. The shallow trench isolation region 33 may have the same composition as, and may be formed by the same methods as, in the first embodiment.

At least one field effect transistor is formed on the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 by methods known in the art. Specifically, a gate dielectric 40, a gate electrode 42, and a gate spacer 44 are formed for each field effect transistor. A source region (not shown) and a drain region (not shown) are also formed in the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 for each field effect transistor by implanting dopants employing the gate electrode 42 and the gate spacer 44 of the field effect transistor as a self-aligning implantation mask.

A middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer 80 is formed on the at least one field effect transistor, the at least one top semiconductor portion 32, and the shallow trench isolation structure 33. The MOL dielectric layer 80 may comprise the same material and have the same thickness as in the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, a photoresist 67 is applied to a top surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80 and lithographically patterned to form at least one opening O. Each of the at least one opening O is located outside the area of the at least one top semiconductor portion 32 and inside the area of the shallow trench isolation structure 33 in a see-through top-down view. The pattern of the at least one opening O in the photoresist 67 is transferred into the MOL dielectric layer 80 by an anisotropic etch, which may be a reactive ion etch. The photoresist 67 is employed as an etch mask for the anisotropic etch. At least one via cavity 59 is formed underneath the at least one opening O in the photoresist 67.

The anisotropic etch proceeds through a top surface of the shallow trench isolation structure 33, through a top surface of the buried insulator layer 20, and at least to a top surface of a bottom semiconductor layer 10. Preferably, the anisotropic etch is selective to the semiconductor material of the bottom semiconductor layer 10. For example, if the bottom semiconductor layer 10 comprises silicon, an anisotropic etch that removes dielectric material, such as silicon oxide, selective to silicon may be employed to provide a selective etch that stops on the top surface of the bottom semiconductor layer 10.

A top surface of the bottom semiconductor layer 10 is exposed at the bottom of each of the at least one via cavity 59. Each of the at least one via cavity 59 is formed through the MOL dielectric layer 80, the shallow trench isolation structure 33, and the buried insulator layer 20. In other words, each of the at least one second via cavity 57 extends from a top surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80, through the MOL dielectric layer 80, the shallow trench isolation structure 33, and the buried insulator layer 20, and to a top surface of the bottom semiconductor layer 10. The photoresist 67 is subsequently removed.

The sidewalls of each of the at least one via cavity 59 may be substantially vertically coincident from the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80 to the top surface of the bottom semiconductor layer 10. In other words, the portions of the sidewalls of each of the at least one via cavity 59 in the MOL dielectric layer 80, the shallow trench isolation structure 33, and the buried insulator layer 20 may overlap one another in a top-down view. In case a taper is present in the sidewalls of the at least one via cavity 59, the angle of taper may be from about 0 degree to about 5 degrees, and typically from 0 degree to about 2 degrees, although greater taper angles are also contemplated herein.

The depth of each of the at least one via cavity 59 may be equal to the sum of the thickness of the buried insulator layer 20, the thickness of the top semiconductor layer 30, and the thickness of the MOL dielectric layer 80.

In a first configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure, the at least one via cavity 59 is an array of via cavities. Each via cavity in the array of via cavities is a discrete via cavity that does not abut another via cavity.

In a second configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure, the at least one via cavity 59 is a single via cavity having a plurality of via cavity portions that are interconnected among one another. In other words, the at least one via cavity 59 includes a plurality of via cavity portions that are laterally connected between the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80 and a top surface of the bottom semiconductor layer 10.

Referring to FIG. 16, at least one doped semiconductor region 28 is formed by implanting dopants of the first conductivity type into exposed portion of the bottom semiconductor layer 10. Due to lateral straggle of the implanted dopants, the at least one doped semiconductor region extends laterally outside the area of the at least one via cavity 59 and vertically abuts a bottom surface of the buried insulator layer 20. In case the first conductivity type is p-type, the implanted dopants may comprise B, Ga, In, or a combination thereof. In case the first conductivity type is n-type, the implanted dopants may comprise P, As, Sb, or a combination thereof. The photoresist 67 functions as a self-aligning mask for the ion implantation so the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 is formed beneath the at least one via cavity 59. Each of the at least one doped semiconductor region vertically abuts a bottom surface of the at least one via cavity 59 and the bottom surface buried insulator layer 20. In case the bottom semiconductor layer 10 comprises a single crystalline semiconductor material, the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 is also single crystalline.

The thickness of the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 may be from about 10 nm to about 600 nm, and typically from about 50 nm to about 300 nm, although lesser and greater thicknesses are also contemplated herein. The at least one doped semiconductor region 28 is typically heavily doped to reduce the resistivity. The at least one doped semiconductor region 28 may have a dopant concentration from about 1.0×10¹⁹/cm³ to abut 1.0×10²¹/cm³, although lesser and greater dopants concentrations are also contemplated herein. The photoresist 67 is subsequently removed selective to the MOL dielectric layer 80, the exposed sidewalls of the shallow trench isolation region 33, the exposed sidewalls of the buried insulator layer 20, and the at least one doped semiconductor region 28.

Referring to FIGS. 17, 18A, 18B, 19A, and 19B, at least one first conductive via 89 is formed in the MOL dielectric layer 80. FIG. 17 is a common vertical cross-sectional view of a first configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B and a second configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B. FIG. 18A is a modified top-down view of the first configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure in which the MOL dielectric layer 80 is omitted for clarity. FIG. 18B is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the first configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure along the plane X-X′ in FIG. 17. FIG. 19A is a modified top-down view of the second configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure in which the MOL dielectric layer 80 is omitted for clarity. FIG. 19B is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the second configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure along the plane X-X′ in FIG. 17. The plane Z-Z′ in FIGS. 18A, 18B, 19A, and 19B corresponds to the plane of the vertical cross-section for the common vertical cross-sectional view of the second exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIG. 17.

Specifically, a conductive material is deposited into the at least one via cavity 59. The conductive material may be a doped semiconductor material or a metallic material. For example, the conductive material may be doped polysilicon, a doped silicon-containing semiconductor material, a doped compound semiconductor material, an elemental metal, an alloy of at least two elemental metals, a conductive metal nitride, etc. The excess conductive material above the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80 is removed, for example, by chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), recess etch, or a combination thereof. The remaining portions of the conductive material in the at least one via cavity 59 constitute at least one first conductive via 89. Each of the at least one first conductive via 89 extends from a top surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80 to the top surface of the at least one doped semiconductor region 28.

In the first configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the at least one first conductive via 89 is an array of conductive vias. Each conductive via in the array of the conductive vias is disjoined from other conductive vias, i.e., does not abut another conductive via.

In the second configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the at least one first conductive via 89 is a single conductive via having a plurality of conductive via portions that are interconnected among one another. In other words, the at least one first conductive via 89 includes a plurality of conductive via portions that are laterally connected between the top surface of the MOL dielectric layer 80 and the top surface of the bottom semiconductor layer 10.

In the second configuration, the at least one first conductive via 89 is a single contact via of unitary construction, i.e., in one contiguous piece, and laterally surrounds the entirety of the at least one field effect transistor. In case the at least one field effect transistor is a plurality of field effect transistors, all of the plurality of field effect transistors may be laterally enclosed by the single contact via.

Referring to FIGS. 20, 21, and 22, second conductive vias 88 are formed in the MOL dielectric layer 80. FIG. 20 is a common vertical cross-sectional view of the first configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIG. 21 and a second configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIG. 22. FIG. 21 is a modified top-down view of the first configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure in which the MOL dielectric layer 80 is omitted for clarity. FIG. 22 is a modified top-down view of the second configuration of the second exemplary semiconductor structure in which the MOL dielectric layer 80 is omitted for clarity. The plane Z-Z′ in FIGS. 21 and 22 corresponds to the plane of the vertical cross-section for the common vertical cross-sectional view of the second exemplary semiconductor structure shown in FIG. 20.

The second conductive vias 88 contact semiconductor devices including the at least one field effect transistor located on and in the top semiconductor layer 30. The second conductive vias 88 do not extend below the bottom surface of the top semiconductor layer 30. The second conductive vias 88 are formed by lithographic methods and an anisotropic etch, followed by a fill with a conductive material such as a doped semiconductor material or a metallic material and planarization. The second conductive vias 88 may be formed directly on the source regions (not shown separately), the drain regions (not shown separately) and the gate electrodes 42 of the at least one field effect transistor. The source regions and the drain regions are located in the at least one top semiconductor portion 32.

Referring to FIG. 23, an interconnect-level dielectric layer 90, first interconnect-level metal lines 98, and a second interconnect-level metal line 99 are formed. A top-view for the first configuration of the second embodiment may be the same as FIG. 12 of the third configuration of the first embodiment. A top-view for the second configuration of the second embodiment may be the same as FIG. 13 of the fourth configuration of the first embodiment.

The dielectric material for the interconnect-level dielectric layer 90 may comprise any of the dielectric material that may be employed for the MOL dielectric layer 80 as described above. The thickness of the interconnect-level dielectric layer 90 may be from about 75 nm to about 1,000 nm, and typically from about 150 nm to about 500 nm, although lesser and greater thicknesses are also contemplated herein.

The first interconnect-level metal lines 98 and the second interconnect-level metal line 99 are embedded in the interconnect-level dielectric layer 90, and may be formed by deposition of a metallic material and a subsequent planarization. The metallic material of the first interconnect-level metal lines 98 and the second interconnect-level metal line 99 may be deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD), electroplating, electroless plating, chemical vapor deposition, or a combination thereof.

Each of the second conductive vias 88 vertically abuts one of the first interconnect-level metal lines 98. Each of the at least one first conductive via 89 vertically abuts the second interconnect-level metal line 99. The second interconnect-level metal line 99 is electrically connected to electrical ground by an additional metal interconnect structure (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 24, a vertical cross-sectional view of the second exemplary semiconductor structure is shown during operation of the at least one field effect transistor to which a radio frequency (RF) signal is applied. The radio frequency signal in the at least one field effect transistor causes formation of an induced charge layer 11 in an upper portion of the bottom semiconductor layer 10. The electrical charges in the induced charge layer 11 changes polarity at the signal frequency of the radio signal in the at least one field effect transistor. The thickness of the induced charge layer 11 changes in time at the signal frequency in the at least one field effect transistor.

As in the first embodiment, electrical bias is applied to the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 to stabilize the property of the induced charge layer 11 during the operation of the at least one field effect transistor, which may function as an RF switch. The at least one first conductive via 89 provides a low resistance electrical path for applying the electrical bias to the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 to stabilize the induced charge layer 11. The magnitude and polarity of the voltage bias applied to the at least one doped semiconductor region 28 are selected to maintain the entirety of the induced charge layer 11 in depletion mode or inversion mode, while preventing formation of any region in accumulation mode in the bottom semiconductor layer 10. The operational characteristics of the induced charge layer 11 are substantially the same as in the first embodiment.

As in the first embodiment, the thickness of the induced charge layer 11 varies in time at the signal frequency of the RF signal in the at least one field effect transistor. However, the induced charge layer 11 is not in accumulation mode through the entirety of the cycle of the RF signal. Instead, the entirety of the induced charge layer 11 remains in depletion mode or inversion mode.

Further, by increasing the average thickness of a depletion layer in the induced charge layer 11, the present invention reduces secondary capacitive coupling between two disconnected portions of a radio frequency switch when the switch is turned off. Thus, the radio frequency switch provides more effective signal isolation in the off state.

In case any portion of the at least one first conductive via 89 of the first or second embodiments laterally surrounds any of the at least one field effect transistor individually, that portion functions as an electrically grounding wall that significantly reduces parasitic coupling between adjoining devices among the at least one field effect transistor, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the at least one field effect transistor as a radio frequency switch in an off state.

FIG. 25 shows a block diagram of an exemplary design flow 900 used for example, in semiconductor IC logic design, simulation, test, layout, and manufacture. Design flow 900 includes processes and mechanisms for processing design structures or devices to generate logically or otherwise functionally equivalent representations of the design structures and/or devices described above and shown in FIGS. 2-24. The design structures processes and/or generated by design flow 900 may be encoded on machine-readable transmission or storage media to include data and/or instructions that, when executed or otherwise processes on a data processing system, generate a logically, structurally, mechanically, or otherwise functionally equivalent representation of hardware components, circuits, devices, or systems. Design flow 900 may vary depending on the type of representation being designed. For example, a design flow for building an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) may differ from a design flow 900 for designing a standard component or from a design flow 900 for instantiating the design into a programmable array, for example, a programmable gate array (PGA) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) offered by Altera® Inc. or Xilinx® Inc.

FIG. 25 illustrates multiple such design structures including an input design structure 920 that is preferably processed by design process 910. Design structure 920 may be a logical simulation design structure generated and processed by design process 910 to produce a logically equivalent functional representation of a hardware device. Design structure 920 may also, or alternately, comprise data and/or program instructions that, when processed by design process 910, generate a functional representation of the physical structure of a hardware device. Whether representing functional and/or structural design features, design structure 920 may be generated using electronic computer-aided design (ECAD) such as implemented by a core developer/designer. When encoded on a machine-readable data transmission, gate array, or storage medium, design structure 920 may be accessed and processed by one or more hardware and/or software modules within design process 910 to simulate or otherwise functionally represent an electronic component, circuit, electronic or logic module, apparatus, device, or system such as those shown in FIGS. 2-24. As such, design structure 920 may comprise files or other data structures including human and/or machine-readable source code, compiled structures, and computer-executable code structures that when processed by a design or simulation data processing system, functionally simulate or otherwise represent circuits or other levels of hardware logic design. Such data structures may include hardware-description language (HDL) design entities or other data structures conforming to and/or compatible with lower-level HDL design languages such as Verilog and VHDL, and/or higher level design languages such as C or C++.

Design process 910 preferably employs and incorporates hardware and/or software modules for synthesizing, translating, or otherwise processing a design/simulation functional equivalent of the components, circuits, devices, or logic structures shown in FIGS. 2-24 to generate a netlist 980 which may contain design structures such as design structure 920. Netlist 980 may comprise, for example, compiled or otherwise processed data structures representing a list of wires, discrete components, logic gates, control circuits, I/O devices, models, etc. that describes the connections to other elements and circuits in an integrated circuit design. Netlist 980 may be synthesized using an iterative process in which netlist 980 is resynthesized one or more times depending on design specifications and parameters for the device. As with other design structure types described herein, netlist 980 may be recorded on a machine-readable data storage medium or programmed into a programmable gate array. The medium may be a non-volatile storage medium such as a magnetic or optical disk drive, a programmable gate array, a compact flash, or other flash memory. Additionally, or in the alternative, the medium may be a system or cache memory, buffer space, or electrically or optically conductive devices and materials on which data packets may be transmitted and intermediately stored via the Internet, or other networking suitable means.

Design process 910 may include hardware and software modules for processing a variety of input data structure types including netlist 980. Such data structure types may reside, for example, within library elements 930 and include a set of commonly used elements, circuits, and devices, including models, layouts, and symbolic representations, for a given manufacturing technology (e.g., different technology nodes, 32 nm, 45 nm, 90 nm, etc.). The data structure types may further include design specifications 940, characterization data 950, verification data 960, design rules 970, and test data files 985 which may include input test patterns, output test results, and other testing information. Design process 910 may further include, for example, standard mechanical design processes such as stress analysis, thermal analysis, mechanical event simulation, process simulation for operations such as casting, molding, and die press forming, etc. One of ordinary skill in the art of mechanical design can appreciate the extent of possible mechanical design tools and applications used in design process 910 without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention. Design process 910 may also include modules for performing standard circuit design processes such as timing analysis, verification, design rule checking, place and route operations, etc.

Design process 910 employs and incorporates logic and physical design tools such as HDL compilers and simulation model build tools to process design structure 920 together with some or all of the depicted supporting data structures along with any additional mechanical design or data (if applicable), to generate a second design structure 990. Design structure 990 resides on a storage medium or programmable gate array in a data format used for the exchange of data of mechanical devices and structures (e.g. information stored in an IGES, DXF, Parasolid XT, JT, DRG, or any other suitable format for storing or rendering such mechanical design structures). Similar to design structure 920, design structure 990 preferably comprises one or more files, data structures, or other computer-encoded data or instructions that reside on transmission or data storage media and that when processed by an ECAD system generate a logically or otherwise functionally equivalent form of one or more of the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 2-24. In one embodiment, design structure 990 may comprise a compiled, executable HDL simulation model that functionally simulates the devices shown in FIGS. 2-24.

Design structure 990 may also employ a data format used for the exchange of layout data of integrated circuits and/or symbolic data format (e.g. information stored in a GDSII (GDS2), GL1, OASIS, map files, or any other suitable format for storing such design data structures). Design structure 990 may comprise information such as, for example, symbolic data, map files, test data files, design content files, manufacturing data, layout parameters, wires, levels of metal, vias, shapes, data for routing through the manufacturing line, and any other data required by a manufacturer or other designer/developer to produce a device or structure as described above and shown in FIGS. 2-24. Design structure 990 may then proceed to a stage 995 where, for example, design structure 990: proceeds to tape-out, is released to manufacturing, is released to a mask house, is sent to another design house, is sent back to the customer, etc.

While the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is evident in view of the foregoing description that numerous alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention is intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the scope and spirit of the invention and the following claims. 

1. A method of forming a semiconductor structure comprising: forming at least one field effect transistor on a top semiconductor layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, said SOI substrate further comprising a bottom semiconductor layer having a doping concentration; forming a shallow trench isolation structure in said top semiconductor layer, wherein said shallow trench isolation structure laterally abuts and surrounds said at least one field effect transistor; forming a doped semiconductor region in said bottom semiconductor layer, wherein said doped semiconductor region abuts said buried insulator layer and has a doping of a same conductivity type as said bottom semiconductor layer, and further wherein said doped semiconductor region has a doping concentration greater than a doping concentration of said bottom semiconductor layer, said doped semiconductor region located in a region that is not below said at least one field effect transistor; forming a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer over said at least one field effect transistor and said shallow trench isolation structure; and forming at least one conductive via extending from a top surface of said MOL dielectric layer through said MOL dielectric layer, said shallow trench isolation structure, a buried insulator layer, and to said doped semiconductor region, wherein said at least one conductive via comprises a contact via of unitary construction and laterally surrounding an entirety of said at least one field effect transistor.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: forming at least one via cavity extending from said top surface of said MOL dielectric layer to said top surface of said bottom semiconductor layer; and filling said at least one via cavity with a conductive material, wherein said at least one conductive via is formed by said conductive material that fills said at least one via cavity.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein each of said at least one conductive via is of unitary construction and extends from said top surface of said MOL dielectric layer to said top surface of said doped semiconductor region.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: forming at least one via cavity extending from a top surface of said shallow trench isolation structure to said top surface of said bottom semiconductor layer; and filling said at least one via cavity with a conductive material, wherein at least one lower conductive via is formed by said conductive material that fills said at least one via cavity.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: forming at least another via cavity extending from said top surface of said MOL dielectric layer to at least one top surface of said at least one lower conductive via; and filling said at least another via cavity with another conductive material, wherein at least one upper conductive via is formed by said other conductive material that fills said at least another via cavity.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein each of said at least one conductive via comprises a vertically abutting stack of a lower contact via and an upper contact via, wherein a top surface of said upper conductive via extends to said top surface of said MOL dielectric layer, and a bottom surface of said lower conductive via extends to said top surface of said doped semiconductor region.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said doping concentration of said doped semiconductor region is at least 1000 times higher than said doping concentration of said bottom semiconductor layer.
 8. A method of operating a semiconductor device comprising: providing a semiconductor device including: a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate including a top semiconductor layer, a buried insulator layer, and a bottom semiconductor layer; at least one field effect transistor located on said top semiconductor layer; a shallow trench isolation structure laterally abutting said at least one field effect transistor; a degenerately doped semiconductor region embedded in the bottom semiconductor layer and abutting the buried insulator layer and having a doping of the same conductivity type as the bottom semiconductor layer, the doped semiconductor region located in regions not below said at least one field effect transistor; and at least one conductive via extending from a top surface of a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer through said MOL dielectric layer, said shallow trench isolation structure, a buried insulator layer, and to a top surface of said doped semiconductor region; applying a radio frequency (RF) signal to said at least one field effect transistor, wherein an induced charge layer is formed directly underneath said buried insulator layer; and electrically biasing said doped semiconductor region and said at least one conductive via, wherein an entirety of said induced charge layer is in depletion mode through an entirety of a cycle of said RF signal.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said bottom semiconductor layer and said doped semiconductor region have a p-type doping, and wherein a bias voltage applied to said doped semiconductor region and said at least one conductive via is a constant negative voltage, wherein a magnitude of said constant negative voltage is about the same as, or greater than, a magnitude of maximum negative swing of said RF signal.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein said bottom semiconductor layer and said doped semiconductor region have an n-type doping, and wherein a bias voltage applied to said doped semiconductor region and said at least one conductive via is a constant positive voltage, wherein a magnitude of said constant positive voltage is about the same as, or greater than, a magnitude of maximum positive swing of said RF signal.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein a thickness of said induced charge layer varies in time at a signal frequency of said RF signal in said at least one field effect transistor, and wherein said induced charge layer is not in accumulation mode through said entirety of said cycle of said RF signal.
 12. A semiconductor structure comprising: a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate including a top semiconductor layer, a buried insulator layer, and a bottom semiconductor layer having a doping concentration; at least one field effect transistor located on said top semiconductor layer; a shallow trench isolation structure laterally abutting said at least one field effect transistor; a doped semiconductor region embedded in said bottom semiconductor layer and abutting said buried insulator layer and having a doping of the same conductivity type as said bottom semiconductor layer, said doped semiconductor region excluded from regions beneath said at least one field effect transistor, and said doped semiconductor region having a doping concentration significantly greater than said doping concentration of said bottom semiconductor layer; and at least one conductive via extending from a top surface of a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer through said MOL dielectric layer, said shallow trench isolation structure, said buried insulator layer, and to a top surface of said doped semiconductor region, wherein said at least one conductive via comprises a contact via of unitary construction and laterally surrounding an entirety of said at least one field effect transistor.
 13. The semiconductor structure of claim 12, wherein each of said at least one conductive via is of unitary construction and extends from said top surface of said MOL dielectric layer to said top surface of said doped semiconductor region.
 14. The semiconductor structure of claim 12, wherein each of said at least one conductive via comprises a vertically abutting stack of a lower contact via and an upper contact via, wherein a top surface of said upper conductive via extends to said top surface of said MOL dielectric layer, and a bottom surface of said lower conductive via extends to said top surface of said doped semiconductor region.
 15. The semiconductor structure of claim 14, wherein a bottom surface of said upper conductive via and a top surface of said lower conductive via vertically abut each other and are substantially coplanar with a top surface of said top semiconductor layer.
 16. The semiconductor structure of claim 14, wherein said lower conductive via comprises a first metallic material and said upper conductive via comprises a second metallic material, and a physically manifested interface is present between said lower conductive via and said upper conductive via.
 17. The semiconductor structure of claim 12, wherein said doping concentration of said doped semiconductor region is at least about 1×10¹⁹ cm⁻³, and said doping concentration of said bottom semiconductor layer is less than about 5×10¹⁵ cm⁻³.
 18. The semiconductor structure of claim 12, wherein said conductive via of unitary construction is one of a lower contact via and an upper contact via, wherein said lower contact via vertically abuts said upper contact via, wherein a top surface of said upper conductive via extends to said top surface of said MOL dielectric layer, and a bottom surface of said lower conductive via extends to said top surface of said doped semiconductor region.
 19. The semiconductor structure of claim 12, further comprising an induced charge layer located in an upper portion of said bottom semiconductor layer and including positive charges or negative charges.
 20. A machine readable storage medium embodying a design structure, said design structure comprising: a first data representing a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate including a top semiconductor layer, a buried insulator layer, and a bottom semiconductor layer having a doping concentration; a second data representing at least one field effect transistor located on said top semiconductor layer; a third data representing a shallow trench isolation structure laterally abutting said at least one field effect transistor; a fourth data representing a doped semiconductor region embedded in said bottom semiconductor layer and abutting said buried insulator layer and having a doping of the same conductivity type as said bottom semiconductor layer, said doped semiconductor region excluded from regions beneath said at least one field effect transistor, and said doped semiconductor region having a doping concentration significantly greater than said doping concentration of said bottom semiconductor layer; and a fifth data representing at least one conductive via extending from a top surface of a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer through said MOL dielectric layer, said shallow trench isolation structure, said buried insulator layer, and to a top surface of said doped semiconductor region, wherein said at least one conductive via comprises a contact via of unitary construction and laterally surrounding an entirety of said at least one field effect transistor.
 21. The machine readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein said fifth data represents at least one conductive via of unitary construction extending from said top surface of said MOL dielectric layer to said top surface of said doped semiconductor region.
 22. The machine readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein said fifth data represents at least one conductive via, each of which comprises a vertically abutting stack of a lower contact via and an upper contact via, wherein a top surface of said upper conductive via extends to said top surface of said MOL dielectric layer, and a bottom surface of said lower conductive via extends to said top surface of said doped semiconductor region.
 23. The machine readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein said doping concentration of said doped semiconductor region is at least about 1×10¹⁹ cm⁻³, and said doping concentration of said bottom semiconductor layer is less than about 5×10¹⁵ cm⁻³. 